- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mama Bear Leads Cubs Across Busy Ski Slope in California
Skiers avoid the unexpected wildlife encounter at Northstar Resort near Lake Tahoe.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A video captured a mother bear leading her two cubs across a busy ski slope at Northstar Resort in California near Lake Tahoe. Skiers were able to avoid the bears as they quickly crossed the slope, but a bear expert noted that the early emergence from hibernation could be a concerning sign for the bear family.
Why it matters
Encounters between bears and humans at ski resorts can be dangerous for both parties, raising concerns about wildlife management and the impact of human activity on bear habitats. This incident highlights the need for skiers and resort operators to be vigilant and respectful of wildlife, especially in areas where bears may be denning.
The details
The video, posted on Instagram by user Barclay Wayhrauch, shows the mother bear leading her two cubs across the ski slope at a brisk pace. Skiers were able to safely avoid the bears as they crossed. However, a bear expert commented that the early emergence from hibernation could be a sign that the bears' den was disturbed, potentially by the nearby ski resort activities.
- The incident occurred on February 20, 2026 at Northstar Resort near Lake Tahoe, California.
The players
Barclay Wayhrauch
An Instagram user who posted the video of the bear family crossing the ski slope.
Northstar Resort
A ski resort located near Lake Tahoe in California, where the bear family was spotted crossing a busy ski slope.
Bear expert
An expert on bears who commented on the video, noting that the early emergence from hibernation could be a concerning sign for the bear family.
What they’re saying
“That's what we call a California winter safari ride!”
— Barclay Wayhrauch (Instagram)
“Bear expert chiming in - we do not want to see bears out of hibernation this early & in these conditions. It's possible their den was disturbed (which can happen when bears den at or near ski resorts) and mama bear abandoned the den with her cubs. It's too early and there likely aren't food sources available in the forest”
— Bear expert (Instagram)
What’s next
Resort operators and wildlife officials will likely monitor the bear family's movements and well-being to ensure their safety and the safety of skiers in the area.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and being vigilant when engaging in outdoor activities near bear habitats, especially in areas where bears may be denning near ski resorts.
